Satyam,not ‘Slumdog’ giving bad name to India: Irrfan

“Scams like Satyam computers are doing a better job of giving a bad name to our country than the depiction of poverty in a film. We should not shy away from showing the truth,” he added.

Irrfan plays the character of an investigative officer in the Danny Boyle film,which is based on the life of a Mumbai slum-dweller. The film has been criticised in certain sections for depicting stereotyped Mumbai.

“We can not shut our eyes from the fact that a large section of our country continues to live abject poverty which can not be removed by not being shown in a film. We need to work on grass-root level to remove this problem,” he added.

The actor,who has worked in international films like ‘The Warrior’ and ‘A Mighty Heart’ with Angelina Jolie believes that International awards like Golden Globe are known for their credibility which awards in India lack.

The actor feels that award ceremonies like Golden Globe provide a global platform to artistes and actors from India.

Talking about the differences in International film and Indian cinema,the actor said,”Foreign directors make their films keeping in mind the sensibilities of International audiences as their viewership while the focus of our films is limited to India only.”

Irrfan,however,feels that Indians audiences are increasingly shifting towards realism in films. “A popular film will entertain people without deviating from reality,” he said.

The actor,who has earned a name for himself by giving power-packed performances in films like ‘Haasil,’ Maqbool’ and ‘Life In a Metro,’ struggled for nearly twenty-two years in the industry.

“You should have the spirit to struggle and life will automatically give you a chance to move yourself,” Irrfan said.

The actor is working with Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming film ‘Billo Barber’,which is releasing in February. Irrfan hopes to continue a good run this year with the film.

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is releasing in India on January 23.